bushido_man96

You did something I am not sure I would have done. You don't know what kind of people are out there. I don't like to stereotype, but I do like to keep myself safe. Personally, I don't carry weapons of any kind on me, except for a kubotan as a key chain, and that is just when I go to work. Trying to stay safe in the world today causes us to second guess our judgement in certain situations.

Even as a TKD guy, I think you might get more self-defense help from the Kenpo classes, unless you get hooked up with a nice traditional TKD school.

Ok, how about this: side step out with your back leg, and do a lead knifehand strike to neck level, followed by hook punch to body/ribs, followed by a back leg round kick to body or head (preferably head ). Lead backfist to the head (in reality, to the side of the face), then turn fast into a spin side kick to the body. Here's a kicker: Start about two stance lengths away from the bag, and do a Thai style push kick to body level with the back leg, and push the bag away hard....follow with a spin side kick with the other leg into the body, or if you can pull it off, do the spin side kick like you are switching your feet really fast, almost like a little jump.

I think that Kenpo may have better hand techniques, but TKD would be the way to go for kicking. If it an Olympic style of TKD that you learn, they will focus on speed and counter kicks, footwork, and timing. They will probably have some good target drills to keep your interest as well.

That article very well makes the case for katas. A very nice article indeed. You mentioned "making your own kata." Sounds like a good idea, studying moves in depth, and putting them together with principles in mind....oh, the possibilities!

That is a very nice article, and I can relate to a lot of the elements included therein. I am a detention officer for our county jail now, and I can see where our society has gone on a daily basis. Drugs that I didn't know where around, and things like that. The more that we can all set good examples for younger people to follow, then the better we can help ourselves out in society as a whole.

Are there any good books out there dealing with these two weapons? I have Fumio Demura's Bo book, and I have Dave Lowry's Jo book. Are there any others?

Are you speaking strictly for competition purposes, of for fighting/weapons applications purposes. I am very interested in the bo and the jo, but I am not terribly interested in forms competition. I want to do some contact weapon sparring/drilling.

Years ago, I read an article in Black Belt magazine about a practitioner in Florida who combined the two styles to come with some quite unique concepts. He showed various Thai kicking mixed with some TKD's quick kicking, and some counter stuff. I was wondering what you all though about combining the two styles. I know most of us have seen the Muay Thai vs. TKD video, so that might be a good reference point. I'll start: Thai fighters would gain some different footwork applications. I think the TKD guy would gain better punching power, low kick applications, and some toughness.

By "karate" techniques, do you mean just kicking, or also some of the more exotic hand techniques, ie. knifehands, hammerfists, etc?

Congratulations, Aodhan! As a form ATA competitor, I know what kind of competition is out there, and that you have accomplished no small feat. Good luck at Worlds!!

I have the problems with side kicks on the bag. It is hard to notice if I am getting any power on them. Try swinging the bag away, and then stop it with a front leg side kick, or a spin side kick. See if you can get it to fold over your foot a little bit.

You bet! Cover my airfare to Kansas, and I'll see ya twice a week. With respect, Sohan .....aaaahhhh.....I'll see what I can do! (Gotta win the lotto!)

I have. Man, they're crazy hard. No joke. I can't even do regular pushups worth a hoot! Been trying to do plyometric pushups, but not to good at them either.

Oh, come on, KarateK, don't be scared!!

Thank you, sir!

Hey, Sohan, I need you to come be my personal trainer!!!

Have you tried one-arm pushups yet?

I wish I had more friends that did it as well. I've got several who participate, but one of them is so set into the way the SCA (https://www.sca.org) does things, that he doesn't really express interest in trying other things. For instance, they don't quarterstaff fight, and I would love to do that. There is also the rules system that they have, which does not incorporate in-fighting with takedowns, disarms, and the like. What I would love to be inovled with is the Association for Renaissance Martial Arts (https://www.thearma.org). They have a wonderful curriculum, and focus on researching and rebuilding the old systems the way they were orginally taught. Another excellent web site is the Academy of European Medieval Martial Arts (https://www.aemma.org).

These are exactly the same sentiments that my instructor feels.

I do know that the author of Secrets of the Samurai also wrote Aikido and the Dyanmic Sphere. I have read the Aikido book, and it was very informative. Secrets of the Samurai should be as well.

Hello all. I am at kind of a rut in my training. I am working a new job, and it has messed up my class schedule. I get some time at home though, and was wondering if you all could maybe give me some ideas for some kicking routines to give me a lift. I am considering serious competition next year, and would like to enhance my kicking, footwork, etc. I can work kicks on my own, or my wife could hold the target pads for me. Whatever anyone can suggest would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hey, cool. When you get it posted, do you mind if I try some of it, too? I am looking at breaking up my routine as well. I would like to work out 4 or 5 times a week as opposed to 2 or 3.

by bodyweight exercises, do you mean push-ups, sit-ups, dips, pull-ups, and things like that? I am somewhat confused.

Shotokan: Pros..kicking and striking, standup sparring, footwork, forms and self-defense applications. Judo: Pros..takedowns and throwing, ground game, chokes, locks, submissions.